Since 2010, the Iona Church Restoration Trust has raised and spent $1.3 million on the first two stages of the historic church's restoration project. This earlier work included earthquake-strengthening, replacement of flooring timber and trusses, and repointing of stonework as the building was weatherproofed.
Otago Community Trust chief executive Barbara Bridger said the trust was pleased to be once again providing support to the restoration of Iona Church, having granted $150,000 back in 2011 to support the earlier conservation work.
The restoration trust gained a $150,000 grant last week from the latest round of grants from the community trust.
Iona Church Restoration Trust chairman Andrew Noone said the restoration trust was "extremely grateful'' for the grant, which would help ensure this Heritage New Zealand category one historic building was restored to its former "splendour and glory''.
The project's $1.3 million third stage was focused on repairs to the North East elevation stonework, as well as to stained-glass windows and "necessary interior repairs which will include the relocation of the organ to allow access to the northeast window'', he said.
"A small amount of seismic upgrading associated with the northeast elevation will be included, along with a general electrical upgrade and the installation of a fire detection and security alarm system.''
The first two stages had been completed between 2013 and 2015, and, subject to raising further funds, it was hoped to start the next phase of physical work before the end of this year.
The first part of the stone building was designed by N.Y.A. Wales and was built in 1871-72.
Iona Church is now a union parish serving Port Chalmers Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches.
Other Otago Community Trust donations in the latest round: Alexandra, Alexandra Hockey Club $1300; Dunedin, East Otago Musical Theatre Incorporated, $4000; Dunedin Repertory Soc Inc, $5,000; Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust, $10,000; Dunedin Opera Company Inc (Opera Otago),$8000; Dunedin Pride Inc, $2770; Chisholm Park Golf Club Inc, $5000; St Joseph's Cathedral School, $7000; The Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, $16,550; Milton, Tokomairiro Community Recreation Centre, $20,000; Otago, Vanished World Inc $4000; Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand, $4000; Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust, $6000; Wanaka, Mt Aspiring College, $1500; Wanaka Guide and Scout Group, $7000.
